Main Library hosts a launch party Tuesday for "Escape Velocity," the new Charles Portis collection.

'ESCAPE VELOCITY' LAUNCH PARTY6 p.m. Main Library. Free.

This right here is a real treat for all of us Charles Portis obsessives: "Escape Velocity,"edited by writer Jay Jennings and published by Butler Center Books, collects Portis' nonfiction, short stories, newspaper writings and an unpublished play into one handy and highly enjoyable volume.

I could go on at considerable length about my longtime fixation on Portis' five brilliant novels, but I'll not do that. Just get them and read them. They are incredible, funny, moving works that reveal new layers every time I re-read them.

This launch party will be a great opportunity to share stories and celebrate one of America's finest authors. Jennings will give an introductory talk, writer, actor and erstwhile Times columnist Graham Gordy will read from the book and singer/songwriter Mandy McBryde will perform.